Gadag (ಗದಗ) is a district in northern Karnataka, India, with its headquarters in Gadag city. It is known for Kannada literary heritage, historic temples and Hindustani classical music. The district’s landscape includes dry agricultural plains and settlements with longstanding links to trade and craftsmanship.
Kannada is the main language of everyday life. Agriculture, commerce, weaving and small businesses support livelihoods, with crops such as jowar, pulses, groundnut and cotton grown locally. Gadag-Betageri is an important urban centre. Notable landmarks include the Trikuteshwara temple in Gadag, the Veeranarayana temple associated with poet Kumaravyasa, and the Chalukyan temples at Lakkundi. The district is also closely associated with celebrated vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
Common civic concerns include reliable drinking water, drought resilience, irrigation and support for farmers. Residents also care about road maintenance, public transport, sanitation, healthcare, education and local employment. Protecting historic buildings while improving visitor facilities and everyday urban services is another important priority.